Railwoods Trail
An easy stroll from Mamquam School to Mamquam River.
Origin of name: Original 1910 railway line through the woods.
Trailhead: Near Willow Park.
Use: Walking, biking on safe routes to school.
Difficulty: Easy green.
Elevation: Eight to 10 metres.
Etiquette: Prevent accidents and injuries by thinking ahead, especially when crossing busy streets.
Feedback: info@squamishtrails.ca.
Railwoods is a smooth trail serving a high-density neighbourhood.
The trail is on the very obvious raised railway bed that was built-up in 1910.
It provides a safe off-road recreational and commuter link that is especially helpful to the Safe and Active Routes to Schools Program.
This program is a major part of the municipal Active Transportation Plan adopted in 2015/16, which aims to increase transportation options by supporting trails and cycling. Connectivity and safety are prominent themes of these programs.
Our town promotes a strong recreational lifestyle that emphasizes outdoor activity for health reasons.
The goal is a more vibrant and livable community. Visit www.hastebc.org for more information.
A long railway history
Railwoods is the name that the developer, Oakview Holdings, used when building this subdivision in 1999 and 2000.
It may be hard to visualize the 1910 railway line. The line was built on the west bank of the Mamquam River, which then flowed south along the edge of Smoke Bluffs.
The route was straight north on Loggers Lane joining the present-day CN line near the intersection of the Amblepath neighbourhood and Government Road.
There was no need for a bridge over the Mamquam River as that river did not turn west until the big flood of 1921.
The Howe Sound and Pemberton North Railway Company completed the line to the Cheakamus and Cheekye confluence in 1912.
Their bankruptcy resulted in the B.C. government purchasing the line in 1914 to complete the link to the northern interior.
Renamed Pacific Great Eastern (PGE) Railway, it reached Lillooet in 1915 and points north over the ensuing decades. PGE became BC Rail and was absorbed by CN Rail in 1955.
Lots of information is on display at West Coast Railway Heritage Park and from their historian, Trevor Mills, at 604-898-9336.
Safety first
Cyclists have the same rights as drivers of motor vehicles as outlined in the BC Motor Vehicle Act, meaning that they have the same responsibilities.
On this trail and all in Squamish, cyclists need to be safe in traffic and adhering to the rules keeps everyone on the same page, with resulting courtesy from all people on the roads and trails.
An approved helmet is mandatory and should be worn to prevent catastrophic head injury.
After dark, a front white light, a rear red light and reflectors are required.
Safety, common sense and the rules all dictate that you be “Bright@Night.”
A place to play
The Willow Park playground equipment was upgraded in 2016.
Research by Quest University students and lobbying from neighbourhood residents were instrumental in moving this project to fruition.
The voices of the busy young parents in this neighbourhood helped change the view of municipal councilors.
The mantra of Squamish Nation elders – that we are all connected – guided the decision.
Municipal Bylaw 2042 bans smoking in all parks and playgrounds. Secondhand smoke has been proven to be detrimental to everyone›s health and even more so to the health of young people.
It also creates discomfort and a nuisance to all. Offenders are subject to fines of up to $1,000.
